China launched a consulate in Brisbane, capital of Australia's eastern state of Queensland, on Tuesday, a move hailed as another effort to boost the fast-growing cooperation between the two countries.  

Chinese Ambassador Fu Ying told the launching ceremony that the consulate will serve to effectively and efficiently facilitate exchanges and cooperation between China and Queensland.

Both governments of the two countries have shared the common will to set up a consulate in Brisbane, Australia's third largest city, considering the closer links between China and Queensland, she noted.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said that the launch of the consulate is another manifestation of the strong links between his state and China.

"The close relationship with China is one of the most important things for Australia in the last century," he said.

Beattie pointed out that his state and China have great potentials for cooperation in areas like energy, tourism, education and services.

Goods trade between China and Queensland reached US$2.2 billion during the 2003-04 financial year and China has become the second largest trading partner for Queensland.

Liu Fei, head of the Brisbane consulate, said the mission's office building is still in renovation and that the consulate will not be fully functional until later this year.

China's other diplomatic missions in Australia are the embassy in Canberra and three consulates-general in state capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2005)